Season 4 Star Gun Arc Table 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Parker 82

Gameplay

Feel free to start introducing yourselves during the journey to Arcadia

The dark skinned man known at the Grand Lodge as the Moon Bear is always found wearing the golden bear mask. His sun bear from the jungles of Mwangi that he hunts with sits by his side, chewing a thick bone. Today he is wearing black and gray leather armor rather than his colorful red and yellow clothes. A painted hide shield is stowed over his shoulder.

He raises a hand in acknowledgement and greeting to his companions.

The Shoony walks in. How are you all today?

A young human woman with long, dark-blonde hair enters. Her blue eyes have an unfocused look, as if she’s looking past (through?) everything. She wears a simple brown dress with a black hooded cloak. A red and black spider is perched on her head. Another spider, halfling-sized, brown with a silver chevron on its thorax, walks beside her.

She curtsies to the others. ”Flory Buntzer”, she says. ”These are my cohort, Lady Gwendolyn and Sir Miles” The two spiders bow.

A mature-looking elf with long flowing white hair and fair skin enters the room. He is dressed in leathers, with a dark green cloak and cowl covering almost all of him. He is carrying a shortbow in one hand, and the hilt of a nasty-looking rapier sticks out in front of him. His bow appears strange, as it has what looks like squirrel tails attached to two points of the string.

"Ah, I arrived just on time. I was worried I'd be late. I'm Hasvi and I am at your service." He looks around and nods at all present. He is taken aback to see the Shoony Gouper Dune, obviously his first time to see one. He nods slowly to him and proffers a smile.

The Moon Bear answers the shoony with, "I am fine, what about you?"

The sun bear sitting next to him looks up at the others and yawns before returning his attention to the bone between his paws.

"Ndithu," he says to Hasvi's statement.

A Tian-Shu human, at least on first glance, with long white hair wanders casually in.

He carries a smirk on his face, a regular expression it seems, as he listens to the rest introducing themselves.

"My my, what a diversity Golarian offers" he exclaims with a self-mocking smile. "A good day to you. As good as it can get, I hope. My name is Hui Kong. Please call me Kong, or Hui Kong if you prefer to be more formal. Not Hui because that's the generational name for those of ... Bah, I hardly think that's of interest." Again, another self-mocking grin.

Upon a closer look, you realises that Hui Kong is an aasimar. Although white hair is unsurprising on a middle-aged man, it is a tad too white to be almost glimmering. And of course, no human would have eyes of silver pupils. If not for all that, Hui Kong would look rather nondescript, if rather well-built. Under his dust-covered long cloak and robes appears to be a breastplate, but other than a long and stout walking stick and a dagger by his belt, he doesn't seem particularly well-armed.

"Am I late?" a man in his late 30's arrive at the scene. He holds a three-foot long well-polished wooden walking cane for aesthetic. He also wears a caramel-brown homburg hat that is coupled with a free-flowing coffee-brown dueling cape, in addition to his light-brown padded armor and chocolate-brown long pants accented with dark-brown well-polished leather shoes. His all-shade-of-brown outfit is accessorized with some tools and weapon.

"Apologies for my late arrival." he tells them with a smirk. "Let's begin, shall we?"

Segada is bustling with life, and the noise of bargaining and laughter ring through the city streets. The noon sun shines brightly in the sky, providing a pleasant warmth for those picnicking in the city’s parks.

You can easily find Rahaksenwe and introduce yourselves.

Rahaksenwe nods in acknowledgement. “Welcome to Segada. Don’t get too distracted by the crowds. If you do your job well, you’ll have all the time you like to explore.”

“Or get hopelessly lost.” Uanae chimes in.

“Or get hopelessly lost.” Rahaksenwe repeats, before getting down to business. “The archives in Absalom have found a star gun, a relic of great power, that was stolen from Arcadia. We’ve been told stories of one such gun that was stolen from these lands many years ago, which matches the description. Only differences are that it’s broken and branded with Chelaxian sigils. There are rumors of someone who can repair the star gun in the interior of Arcadia. The only issue is they don’t allow non-Arcadians past Segada without permission. We’ve taken the liberty of arranging your meeting with the Segadan Council. They’ll be expecting you within the hour. In keeping with the Segada Protocol, you’ll need to convince them your mission is worth their approval, and that the Society should be granted access into the interior of Arcadia.”

“The people waiting for you are Tekawenda, the Peacekeeper Captain, Ojiham and Skawahann, the two high councilors, and Wanakeena, the mayor.” Uanae explains. “Your organization’s presence here has been... contentious. In every house I’ve been in I’ve heard a different opinion. The Segada Protocol is meant to protect our land from outside invaders. Some will say that letting in an Avistani organization of explorers would be a breach of that. What you do here will set a precedent for the future, for both your people and ours. Let’s hope it turns out for the best, hmm?”

Rahaksenwe coughs. “I’m sure everything will work out fine. You’re here for a good cause, and you carry a good reputation. The council has provided you with lodgings for your stay.” Uanae chimes in once more. “They really seem to want to impress you. The council paid for you to have rooms in The Seeker’s Rest, one of the most luxurious taverns in town. It’s usually full of important-sounding people, and Awade always makes sure they’re well fed.”

Rahaksenwe narrows her eyes at Uanae before she continues. “We’ll guide you to them once your meeting is completed. And remember, the star gun is an important and powerful relic. Only the Society and the Segadan Council know we have it. Do your best to keep its existence secret. Now, before you head off, do you have any questions for us?”

Art posted to new slide

”Escorting such an honored guest back to their home”, Flory muses. ”What should we know about the care and feeding of Arcadian luminaries?”

The actual escorting of the Star Gun will come later. Your mission right now is to make a good impression on the Segadan Council so they will permit the trip into the interior of Arcadia to have the Star Gun restored and returned to its rightful place.

"Why don't we just hand over the relic to the Council out of goodwill of the Society, and let them repair it themselves since it has been stolen from them, so there will be no need for us to enter their territory? Mission done, everyone happy." Nanoc tells them. "Just kidding! Of course, I would love to see how this relic works! If I just know how to fix it..." he shakes his head with that idea in mind, seems regretting to say it at least.

This will be interesting. An entire party without any Training in Diplomacy.

"It sounds like we need people who can communicate well for this mission. I often speak plainly. Politeness isn't my best virtue. Candor is. While I will contribute in any way that I can, understand that to me: the truth matters more than feelings. Either that, or silence... which I prefer."

"I understand where the Council is coming from. The Segada Protocol was agreed upon by multiple Arcadian nations to protect the continent from exploitation. It limits the actions Avistani nations can take on Arcadian soil, most notably preventing colonization and controlling access to the interior. As far as I know, the Segada Protocol was organized in response to Avistani discovery of precious minerals in the mountains surrounding Segada. This history informs who the Council permits access to and why: the purpose of the protocol isn’t to stop outsiders from entering Arcadia, but to make sure Arcadia’s lands and resources remain in their own hands." he shares with others with pride of what he knows. "It looks like we really need to impress the Council, after all."

”Fortunately for us, the Society aren’t colonizing marauders”, says Flory, looking in Rahaksenwe’s direction.

"That is so true. It'll be easier since the organization that we represent, presents itself well. I hope tho, that there is an opportunity to prove ourselves beyond just words" says Hasvi who seems to be ill at ease.

This will be interesting. An entire party without any Training in Diplomacy.

Wait what? Lol!

One of Hui Kong's eyebrow rises as he looks at Rahaksenwe skeptically. "And how do we know there won't be any leaks from the Council?" He quickly turns to Uanae with a cheeky grin, "No offence, of course! Just covering all possibilities!" Although his tone is jovial, an underlying tone suggests that he is dead serious.

"It is a possibility we must accept," the Moon Bear says in response to Kong's (probably) rhetorical question. "Having a local with us may help. I will go find one quickly."

Purchasing a Diplomacy and Lore (Arcadia) hireling in the AcP shop.

I suspect that will be a useful purchase.

Any other questions before you head out?

Nanoc will have Wanakeena as his subject for his Pursue a Lead. He will also Pursue a Lead on the Star Gun.

"Any ideas to impress them, especially the Mayor?" he asks Rahaksenwe.

"Are there any faux pas that we should avoid? Cultural practices that are so important that we should be aware of?"

Hasvi also tries to recall any social rules he's aware of that may be of value. Recall Knowledgr Society: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Rahaksenwe speaks up. “Be honest about your mission. You’re here to restore and return a stolen relic, and simply need a guide to reach the one who can restore it. As long as you can convince them that’s your only motive, I can’t see why they wouldn’t let you through the mountains.”

Uanae considers this for a moment. “Wanakeena is pretty wary about giving this much access to an Avistani organization. She’ll be the hardest to convince. She has a responsibility to the whole city and will only give her blessing if she believes it’s best for all her people.”

Rahaksenwe continues There aren't any other Cultural Practices to be aware of, but remember the Segada Protocol was set up to protect Arcadia from foreign exploitation. Avistani settlement is limited to three locations, and in order to keep those settlements they have to leave us and our friends alone, only send a small amount of their wealth back home, and they can only go further into the continent if they get permission from the council. Even then, one of us has to go along to keep an eye on them.”

"Being honest is easy. Choosing whom to be honest to, that... is not easy. Thank you for your advice Rahaksenwe and Uanae."

Hasvi is about to turn away when he realizes something. He turns to Uanae and asks "This may be a strange question, but I think knowing the answer in advance may be of importance. Does Wanakeena publicly serve any deity? "

Uanae considers this for a moment. “Wanakeena is pretty wary about giving this much access to an Avistani organization. She’ll be the hardest to convince. She has a responsibility to the whole city and will only give her blessing if she believes it’s best for all her people.”

"Hmm, that is a good point. I mean, this repairing the Star Gun is good for the Society and all, but what's in it for Segada? Other than our eternal gratitude of course." He pauses, then continues with a sly grin, "Not that it's not valuable. I mean, the Society has been known to topple governments and all that."

The Moon Bear returns with a man of mixed Ulfen and Mahwek ancestry at his side. "That may not be the most convincing detail to a government concerned about foreign colonization," he says as he catches the last of Hui Kong's statement. "Returning the stolen property to its homeland is a statement by itself."

Assuming you are ready to move on

A crowd of quiet Segadan blocks the main street, becoming louder once they notice newcomers. A few members in the crowd begin to boo. Some tauntingly wave torn Chelaxian flags while others brandish buckets of red paint. Their booing is soon accompanied by shouts of “Our land, not Avistan’s!” and “Keep your swords off our shores!”

Every step forward seems to only antagonize them further, whipping up until their shouts and jeers echo between the alleys. From the crowd, a small, aged woman steps forward. The crowd quiets in obvious respect for the woman. “You’d best turn around. We know our paths already and even if we didn’t, we certainly wouldn’t need your help finding them.”

I am Kwari. I was once a councilor here, so these people respect me as an elder. Kwari seems confident in her situation and will quiet the crowd enough to answer questions if you want to talk to her..

"Nanoc Evitceted, you can just call me Nanoc." he offers Kwari a hand to shake. He then adjusts his hat while he looks around the crowd (◇ Expeditious Inspection) and at her. "We are not here to exploit your country. We are here for an important mission with the Council." he tells her with a smile. "What happened with them, why are they not letting us here in your nation?"
Perception to Sense Motive the Crowd for ◇ Expeditious Inspection: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Nanoc tries to get a feel for the crowd and Kwari.

Kwari replies The council waits at their offices. The people want to know they will make the right decision.

"Well-met Kwari. Forgive me as I am new to your home. I do not know your customs and traditions. Is it customary in your country to show disrespect to your own Council? Is that what your people gave you when you were a Councillor?"

He pauses and waits to see if he's stoned to death or not. If he's still alive, he speaks loudly enough to be heard by the crowd.

"I understand distrust of strangers, but I do not understand why you would distrust yourselves. Is no one trustworthy among your own countrymen?"

"The council cannot make a decision if we are not allowed to pass," the Moon Bear says. "I know the sting of Chelish occupation. But Hasvi is right. You place yourself in the council's stead by blocking our way. And mobs can be difficult to control once set free. Takewenda must be grieved by this display."

A diplomacy check could convince her to at least make the conversation more private.

Any bonuses?

GM Computerpro82 do well roll? With bonuses? Or can our hireling roll?

Your hireling can definitely roll, and if anyone else wants to pick up a hireling I'll allow it, as the Society is sending you on a Diplomatic mission. You would still need to have the ACP to purchase the Hireling. Other could try and roll untrained, but you risk hurting your cause with a Critical Failure.

Also, GM's always have the capability to add bonuses for good roleplaying or innovative approaches. The players may or may not be aware of them.

The Moon Bear listens to his sympathetic local's advice on how to persuade Kwari to calm her mob.

Diplomacy (H): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Flory quietly observes the proceedings, and tries to glean what she can about their culture that would help their cause.

Society: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Purchasing Hireling for Nanoc.

With a flick of his finger, Nanoc summons his assistant that has been stealthily following the group of Pathfinders. Standing beside him, he whispers, Please do your charm."

His assistant, Conan, nods at his master and approaches Kwari. "Greetings, good lady. I am Conan, assistant to Master Nanoc." he then looks around to assess the situation. "It looks like the situation here calls for, uhm... you know, a more private conversation for this matter, if you don't mind." Conan tells Kwari with a smile.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

If my understanding is correct, hero pointing is a Fortune effect which the hireling cannot benefit. Sad.

Hui Kong will engage a hireling as well.

Hui Kong gestures vaguely in the direction of Kwari. "Go... go do what you're hired for," he instructs the stern-looking halfling lady by his side, somewhat at a lost.

"Uh-hum, apologies for the somewhat gruff nature of my employer. He is not one for words, hence his rather wise decision to engage my services, Fiona Erling. I can understand the concerns of you and your people naturally. My parents were slaves who fled from Cheliax to the great city of Absalom, so admittedly while I did not live through it, I hear first hand the exploitation of our people with great frequency. But one thing growing up in Absalom has taught me is how free and mutual exchange of knowledge and understanding only enriches both parties. What say we take this discussion in greater detail in somewhere more conducive?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Oh...

Hasvi moves closer to Kwari. "May we speak about this issue in private and with calmer minds?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Hero Point
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Hasvi convinces Kwari of their good intentions without revealing the truth about the star gun. Kwari leads you to a quieter alley, where you can speak freely. The crowd willingly lets your party walk through them if Kwari accompanies you.

Yes it is strange, but the scenario explicitly assumes you tell Kwari about the star gun, even though she is a [i]former[i] councilor after telling you to keep it a secret.

As a previous member of the council, Kwari can be trusted with the information about the star gun and the Society’s plans. Once you’ve finished telling her about the plan for the star gun, Kwari speaks.

“I see.” Kwari is silent for a moment, considering everything she’s learned with a level head. “That certainly explains your presence here. And why Uanae was so eager to sing your praises. Thought he was just being ridiculous again.” She smiles, but it quickly fades. “This is a dangerous mission for you, Pathfinders. There are people who would do anything to control a star gun. I will speak of your willingness to make amends, without giving away your secret. Give me a moment to calm the crowd so you may walk freely through them.”

Kwari moves off to calm the crowd.

As soon as she does, you have hostile company

The Magenta colored Spider attempts to immobilize Masigonde before moving in to attack

◆ Strike at Masigonde
web(range increment 10 feet): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Effect web trap plus dream spider venom

◆ Stride

◆ Attempt to bite Masigonde
fang (finesse): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Piercing Damage plus dream spider venom: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The spider's bite hits Masigonde, and venom threatens to seep into the wound.

The Blue colored Spider attempts to immobilize The Moon Bear before moving in to attack

◆ Strike at The Moon Bear
web(range increment 10 feet): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Effect web trap plus dream spider venom

◆ Stride

◆ Attempt to bite The Moon Bear
fang (finesse): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Piercing Damage plus dream spider venom: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The spider's bite hits The Moon Bear, and venom threatens to seep into the wound.

The Yellow Raven flies around to attack Hui Kong

◆ Stride

◆ Attempt to peck Hui Kong
Beak (finesse): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

◆ Second Attempt to peck Hui Kong
Beak (finesse): 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 = 22
Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

The Yellow Raven hits Hui Kong with both strikes

Alley Ambush: Round 1

Bold may act

Magenta Spider - HP
Blue Spider - HP
Yellow Raven - HP
Hasvi' 15/15 HP
Green Spider - HP
The Moon Bear 37/44 HP, DC 18 Fort Save vs Dream Spider Venom, Masigonde -5 HP Needs DC 18 Fort save
Goupour Dune 20/20 HP
Hui Kong 22/28 HP
Nanoc Evitceted 26/26 HP
Purple Raven - HP
Flory Buntzer 20/20 HP

Hasvi draws his rapier and moves to flank the nearest raven. He then strikes with the rapier.

◆Draw Weapon
◆Stride to Flank Yellow Raven
◆strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
rapier: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 = 14

since this is a flank/surprise attack, the raven's AC is -2. Is this a critical? If yes, then the damge is 28

Hasvi moves around and deftly carves the Yellow Raven into tiny pieces.

The Green Spider tries to web the Moon Bear

◆ Strike at The Moon Bear with Web
web(range increment 10 feet): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Effect web trap plus dream spider venom

These Spiders must be starving. They can't hit anything with their webs.

◆ Stride

◆ Strike at Hasvi
fang (finesse): 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 4 = 19
Piercing Damage plus dream spider venom: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

After missing with its web, the Green spider moves to attack Hasvi, sinking its fangs deep into his leg. The fangs are dripping with venom.

Alley Ambush: Round 1

Bold may act

Magenta Spider - HP
Blue Spider - HP
Yellow Raven -28 HP, Dead
Hasvi' 9/15 HP, DC 18 Fort Save vs Dream Spider Venom
Green Spider - HP
The Moon Bear 37/44 HP, DC 18 Fort Save vs Dream Spider Venom, Masigonde -5 HP Needs DC 18 Fort save
Goupour Dune 20/20 HP
Hui Kong 22/28 HP
Nanoc Evitceted 26/26 HP
Purple Raven - HP
Flory Buntzer 20/20 HP

"We have uninvited pests, I suppose." Nanoc comments while he draws out his shortbow. He then quickly assesses the spider closest to him. "Oh, wait you are not one of them?" he mistakes for Flory's familiar. He makes quick recall on Blue spider.

He then devises how to easily impale the hostile creature. "I think it is weak in its head, but not so sure..." he tells himself and changes target into Magenta Spider.
Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Shortbow Attack vs Magenta: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Weapon Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 piercing damage

◆ Interact to draw weapon
◆ Devise a Stratagem
◇ Recall Knowledge about Blue Spider (Arcana +8 / Nature +5) from Known Weaknesses feat (If Crit Success, he immediately conveys the info to allies, granting each ally a +1 circumstance bonus to their next attack roll against Blue Spider before the beginning of my next turn.)
◆ Strike

Nanoc evaluates their options, and sends an arrow toward the Magenta Spider. The arrow hits with a squish and nasty looking blue fluid starts leaking from the spider.

He is able to recall that these are, in fact, Dream Spiders. You have seen most of their abilities (attacks and poison) and they don't have any immunities, resistances, or weaknesses.

Alley Ambush: Round 1

Bold may act

Magenta Spider -5 HP
Blue Spider - HP
Yellow Raven -28 HP, Dead
Hasvi' 9/15 HP, DC 18 Fort Save vs Dream Spider Venom
Green Spider - HP
The Moon Bear 37/44 HP, DC 18 Fort Save vs Dream Spider Venom, Masigonde -5 HP Needs DC 18 Fort save
Goupour Dune 20/20 HP
Hui Kong 22/28 HP
Nanoc Evitceted 26/26 HP
Purple Raven - HP
Flory Buntzer 20/20 HP

The typically cynical sharp-tongued Hui Kong suddenly turns all calm and serious, even despite the two bites he received in rapid succession. He starts his staff spinning, first in one hand then soon in both, in front of him then above him then behind him, so fluidly that they seem to be spinning on their own accord, as he dances around his spinning staff.

As he does so, he chants a quick spell, summoning a magical force that surrounds, just as his spinning staff draws from some of its residue magic to empower itself. His staff then lengthens as Hui Kong sends it smashing down upon the (magenta) spider in front of Moon Bear.

I think it would have cover because Masigonde is in the way. Sorry no more actions to move after that performance. :)

+1 Staff (2H): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 bludgeoning: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 +1 force from Arcane Cascade

◆ Cast Spell (Shield) - will shield block if damaged
◆ Arcane Cascade (force)
◇ Twisting Tree: Change Grip (two hands). Staff gains parry, reach, and trip traits
◆ Strike

Fortitude vs. DC 18: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

...and I'm gathering that magenta is dead after that natural 20.

The Mwangi warrior yanks his arm back as the spider cuts him. Fortunately, his body resists the poison. He makes a gesture with his hand, and the jungle bear runs to the other side of the spider in front of the Moon Bear and rises upon on his hind legs. The Moon Bear focuses upon the (blue) spider in front of himself and then throws a punch at its many eyes. The bear behind the spider attempts to maul it.

◆ Command
◆ Bear: Stride
◆ Bear: Support
◆ Hunt Prey (blue spider)
◆ Strike vs. Blue Spider: Handwraps, Fist (T): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Magical, B, Non-lethal: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 + Mauling: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Hui Kong turns the Magenta spider into a greenish smear on the ground

The Moon Bear shakes off the Venom, then proceeds to hit the Blue Spider, wounding it but not killing it.

Alley Ambush: Round 1

Bold may act

Magenta Spider -27 HP, Dead
Blue Spider -10 HP
Yellow Raven -28 HP, Dead
Hasvi' 9/15 HP, DC 18 Fort Save vs Dream Spider Venom
Green Spider - HP
The Moon Bear 37/44 HP
Goupour Dune 20/20 HP
Hui Kong 22/28 HP
Nanoc Evitceted 26/26 HP
Purple Raven - HP
Flory Buntzer 20/20 HP